When a loved one is expecting, celebrating with a baby shower is the perfect way to rejoice that a little one is on the way. From planning the theme to figuring out the location to finalizing the menu, one of the most important details includes the baby shower invitation itself.
For a simple piece of paper (or a simple e-invite), a baby shower invitation can hold so much information for the event. And aside from including the honoree, the date, and the location, baby invitations subtly indicate so much more, like the theme, who’s invited, and special requests like building the baby’s library with a book in lieu of a card. So, without writing a novel, how can a host capture what guests need to know with limited real estate on a baby shower invitation? If you’re not sure how to word a baby shower invite, you’re not alone. Luckily, the owner of Sweet Pea Events and lead event planner Meaghan Cody is sharing all her tips, tricks, and expert advice on wording a baby shower invitation—so nothing gets missed for this special (and adorable) celebration!
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Meaghan Cody, Owner and Lead Planner of Sweet Pea Events
Meaghan Cody began her journey with Sweet Pea Events almost two decades ago and is now the proud owner. Her favorite part of the planning process is curating the perfect vendor team and ensuring each client is supported by professionals who bring their unique vision to life.
Why is wording important on a baby shower invitation?
When it comes to a baby shower invitation, wording the details in the best way possible sets expectations and ensures that guests have everything they need to know before the big day arrives. Plus, it sets the tone of whether or not the event is formal or more casual.
The structure of a baby shower invite
Not every baby shower is the same, but there are some key details that should always be included on a shower invite. Here is the basic anatomy of a baby shower invitation to get a host started. Cody adds, “You should also include any other specific requests,” too, like whether or not to bring a children’s book instead of a card.
- Name of the honoree or expecting parents-to-be
- Host’s name and contact information (phone number or email address)
- Location or venue address
- Date and time of the event
- RSVP details
- Registry information
- Theme (formally written or included in the design of the invitation)
Printed invitations vs. electronic invites
There isn’t a set rule for when to use a physical printed invitation or an electronic invite. “Digital invitations are trending more and more for showers and social events,” says Cody, and this particular detail may come down to personal preference. E-vites can save cost, while printed invitations are great keepsakes.
Wording etiquette for a baby shower invitation
Designing a baby shower is part of the fun when planning, but here are some things to consider when addressing an invitation and deciding what information to include.
How to address an invitation
In contrast to wedding invitations, baby showers are more casual, says Cody. When addressing an invitation to one person, Cody recommends using the guest’s first and last name. For families, Cody states to address the entire family with their last name. For example, “The Jones Family.” Additionally, when inviting couples to a couples’ shower, include both first names.
How to state if children are not invited to the shower
There are ways to clearly and kindly state that children are not allowed to attend. Cody advises indicating it on the invitation by communicating that it is an “adults only affair” or “ladies’ affair” to avoid any confusion.
Is adding the registry to the baby shower invitation appropriate?
Yes, adding the baby registry to the invite is absolutely appropriate, according to Cody, who says, “Guests want to shower [parents] with gifts. Therefore, they are going to bring something whether you request it or not.” So don’t hesitate to print the registry at the bottom or provide a link to the registry website.
Baby shower invitation wording examples
After choosing the cutest baby shower theme, the next step is to start designing a baby shower invitation. That’s where the style of wording for the invite comes in. Depending on the theme of the party, it’s all about making a statement of who you’re honoring and how you’re celebrating. If you need some wording inspiration, keep scrolling to find the best style for your invitation introduction that suits the type of baby shower you’re hosting. Of course, after each intro, add the key details mentioned above!
Traditional baby shower wording
When using traditional wording for a baby shower invite, it’s a simple statement of who you’re honoring.
Join us for a baby shower
celebrating parents-to-be
Lola and Conrad Smith
How to word an invitation when hosting a baby shower just for mom
When planning a baby shower that focuses solely on the mom-to-be, the wording can look a little different. Rather than using the phrase “parents-to-be,” showcase the mother’s full name on the invite. Generally speaking, this often indicates that the shower will not be co-ed. However, if it’s decided that everyone is welcome, hosts can point that out by addressing all guests’ names on the invitation or by stating “all are welcome.”
Join us for a baby shower honoring Mom-to-Be
Charlotte Reynolds
Wording for welcoming a baby girl
Welcoming a baby girl into the family is a parenting milestone, and if you want to mention it in the invite, there are a few ways to do it. Cody suggests starting the intro with “A little lady is on her way.” Other introductions, like “It’s a girl!” or “A little sweetheart is on the way,” are simple yet cute statements, too. Again, the baby shower theme can help dictate some creative invite wording.
Wording for welcoming a baby boy
A boy baby shower theme might inspire some creative baby shower invite wording like “Here comes the son” or “Oh boy!” Cody says invitation wording can be as simple as starting with “A little man is on the way” or “[Name] and [Name] are welcoming a baby boy! Join us for a baby shower to celebrate the parents-to-be.”
Oh boy!
Join us for a Baby Shower honoring
Madison & Matt
How to word a gender reveal
If you’re throwing a gender reveal baby shower, make sure to include that you will be revealing the day of. Include a phrase like “boy or girl” or “he or she.”
He or She
What could baby be?
Join us for a Gender Reveal celebrating
Bella and Robert Dove
Coed baby shower invitation wording
Throwing a baby shower that celebrates both parents can be a fun occasion for friends and family. To ensure that guests are aware that the shower will be a co-ed party, including words like “couples” or “parents-to-be” indicates that everyone is welcome.
Celebrate With Us For a
Couples Baby Shower
In Honor of
Taylor & Elliott
How to word a long-distance baby shower
When friends and family are long-distance, the best solution may be to celebrate with a mail-in baby shower! Invite long-distance guests to participate in the shower with an invitation that says “Baby shower by mail.” Writing out a sweet message about how you wish everyone could be physically present is a great sentiment, too.
You’re invited to take part in a
Baby Shower by Mail
honoring parents-to-be
Josie & Gavin
How to word an invitation when hosting an adoption shower
For parents who are adopting, Cody states, “Saying something along the lines of “Welcome home to our newest family member” or “Our family is now complete, we’ve adopted our newest bundle of joy” are sweet ways to announce an adoption.
Please join us for an
Adoption Shower to welcome
Finley into our family
Wording when hosting a baby sprinkle
Baby sprinkles can be more of a relaxed affair for parents who have had a baby shower for their eldest and are welcoming their second or third child. On the invitation, state that the baby shower is a “Baby Sprinkle.” Depending on the honoree, you may want to include whether or not a baby registry is included or that alternative gifts are requested, like diapers or children’s books.
Please join us for a Baby Sprinkle
In honor of mom-to-be
Pippa Williamson
How to word a ‘Sip and See’ baby shower invitation
‘Sip and See’ baby showers are meant for parents who want guests to focus on meeting the newest addition to the family. This is usually held after the baby is born. Depending on the theme, Cody recommends using the phrase, “Come for the baby, stay for the bubbly! Join us for a sip, and see our newest addition.” If parents are choosing to forgo gifts, Cody says to mention it in the invite.
Come for the baby, stay for the bubbly!
Please join us for a
Sip + See
to meet our little one
Sophia Huntington
Example of how to word a ‘Come-and-Go’ baby shower invitation
Without pressure, parents may choose to host a baby shower where guests aren’t obligated to stay for a set amount of time. According to Cody, adding the words, “come-and-go,” “drop-in,” “stop by,” or “open house,” are key indicators that visiting time is fluid. Provide a start and end time so guests arrive between those hours. Guests are welcome to stay the entire time if they wish, of course!
Come & Go Shower
You are invited to
an Open House
Baby Shower in honor of
Julia Robertson
Where to order baby shower invitations
Now that you have the 411 on wording for baby shower invitations, it’s time to browse the best and most popular sites and start designing. Most sites allow you to easily edit the structure and wording. Below, I’ve listed a few sites, but feel free to shop locally, too!
- Basic Invite for budget-friendly printed or electronic invites
- Canva for a variety of baby shower invite and game templates
- Etsy for a wide variety of baby shower-themed invitations from independent makers
- Evite for easy-to-send (and often free) electronic invitations
- Minted. for timeless printed invitations perfect for keepsakes
- Paper Culture for eco-friendly modern baby shower invitations
- Paperless Post for elevated electronic baby shower invitations
- Zazzle for budget-friendly printed or electronic invites
Patty Schepel, Editorial Assistant
As the editorial assistant, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, inputting freelance articles, and more. With Patty’s passion for writing, experience as a mother of two, and expertise as a pediatric nurse, she brings a thoughtful and informative perspective to The Everymom. When she’s not working, you can find her spending time with her family, training for half marathons—she ran one 16 weeks pregnant—traveling, cooking, reading a rom-com, and keeping her sourdough starter, Rose, alive.
Feature graphic images are credited to Kirra Wallace and Adenir Figueiredo Carvalho | Pexels
